Currently, Ford has nothing to match the Camaro 1LE directly, which is already approaching GT350 levels of performance for less money. That is going to change, according to Ford Authority. The latest report states Ford is readying a “Performance Pack 2” for the 2018 model year, which will be optional for the V8-powered pony.

This package is widely believed to be in response to the Camaro 1LE and could feature similar track-day appointments, such as stickier tires, revamped suspension and more. The current performance package offered for the Mustang features a Torsen differential with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio, 19-inch wheels with staggered Pirelli summer tires, a strut bar, front splitter and marginal brake upgrades. Still, it can’t catch the Camaro 1LE.

Specifics on this performance pack are unknown, but we do know the 2018 Ford Mustang will arrive with a freshened look, 10-speed automatic gearbox and MagneRide dampers. Do we foresee a rematch forthcoming? Yes, yes we do.

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9 Comments

What do you mean by the Camaro “approaching the GT350 in levels of performance?” Seriously? Have you not done your homework? The 1LE puts the smack down on the GT350. It’s only bested by the GT350R which commands another 20k premium price over the GT350, but for that price you can get a Grand Sport and ot to go to the track and have a faster car. I’ve read your posts about this car. Either you must not be a fan of the Gen 6 Camaro, or your secretly a Mustang fanboy. Cause the article isn’t based much on facts.

Ford underestimated the new Camaro and got caught out. Ford is working hard to close the gap and will but Chevy is already working on their next shot and Ford needs to aim ahead if they want to gain the lead.

GM is leading the pack when it comes to making their cars go around corners. GM is leading in experience right now and Ford is playing catchup. Yeah the 350r is faster tjan the z28 but that car was built specificaly to beat the z28. The SS1le with the same tires as the gt350r would prob be close to the same lap time. lol.

You guys need to find the facts out first. It doesnt matter if its the 350 or 350 R. They both have the same motor and trans and rearend and out performed the 7 Z 28 Sorry the game is changing deal with it

I have the new 1LE, it matched (and in one test, beat) the GT350 lap times. But the R is a different story, I’m not sure where it falls. There’s plenty of power left in the LT1. Mine made (after break in) 390/385 hp/tq to the wheels. After a cam, lifters, ported heads from GM’s performance catalog, it now makes 490/490 to the wheels.

I don’t think so. At this moment in that cat and mouse game, GM has the upper hand on all fronts.
The Gen 6 SS 1LE is faster than the GT350, but not the GT350R. Those expensive lightweight carbon fiber wheels of the GT350R are 95% of what makes the difference. But rest assured the Gen 6 Z28 that’s coming out will be faster than the GT350R.
We just saw that Fords will refresh the Mustang in 2018? Will it be as quick as the Gen 6 SS? You’ll have to assume that’s Ford’s target, but the current capabilities gap between the base platforms was significant. Ford has a lot of work to do.